1: of, relating to, or made with a paste made of powered pigment or a crayon made of such paste2: pale and light in color

How do you use it?

Catelyn likes to dress in bright reds, yellows, and greens, but Kimberly prefers softer pastel colors such as light pink, lavender, and peach.

Are you a word wiz?

Which of the following words do you think comes from the same root as "pastel"?

A. pasture

B. pasta

C. posture

D. poster

"Pastel," "paste," and "pastry" are all part of the "pasta" family – and "paste" is what holds them together. All pasta starts out as a dough or paste; in fact, the word "paste" comes from the Latin word "pasta" (which means "paste"). The sweet baked treats we call "pastries" got their name from the paste (that is, the dough) used to make them. Pastel crayons are made of paste, too, and their name also arose from the Latin "pasta."